I have a 97 Chev Extended Cab 4x4, Z 71.
It has the Electric 4x4 engagement buttons on the Dash.
I purchased it new, and after about a year, I have and am having problems getting the 4wd to engage when I push the button. Sometimes the button lights flash and then settle back on 2wd. Sometimes the lights don't flash.

I have had it to the Dealer several times, coupla times they couldn't find anything wrong. Said it was working! Before I got home, I tried it in a parking lot and wouldn't work!

The last time they replaced the actuator, and wire harness. the same thing happened , on the way home I tried engaging it and it wouldn't work.

Cost of repair, $389.00 and the 4wd still won't engage!!!!!!!

By the way, I'm a Senior Citizen, avid Deer/Turkey hunter.
I do not abuse the truck, have used 4wd maybe a dozen times and the truck only has 139,000 miles.

Any help would be appreciated!!!!!
Regards, Chuck Creasy

 

I would be very interested to find out about this also.
I have a 1999 doing the same thing the 4x4 only works when it wants to.

 

The hubs need "exercised" about every month or two. The grease will settle in the hubs when they aren't being used very often and can stick. You will need to "work" the hubs by putting it in and out of 4wd drive until it loosens up.

Also your control panel on the dash might be bad or faulty too. Have the dealer look at that too.

 

I am also having a bit of a problem with my 4x4 dash buttons. The 2wheel light will sometimes get really dull and then go out, push the button and it lights right back up. I am not having problems with it engaging and disengaging. But for you guys, yes it needs to be used more than once a year. Try working it into 4x4 and then drive down a dirt road at about 40 miles an hour in 4x4 Hi. Then put it into LOW and drive it about 25 MPH on same dirt road and then shift it in and out of 4x4 hi and 2x4. Then shift it in and out of 4x4 everyday for about the next week. Make sure to put it into reverse when disengaging. This will release the tension on the diff and transfer case making it easier on the soloniods. Good luck guys.

 

The Chevy electronic 4x4 has a reputation of going out. I've known a couple guys here fron the local mud spot that they had to replace the electronic switches. One of them actually went manual on the 4x4.